From: dontmailme AT iname DOT com (Steamer)
Newsgroups: comp.os.msdos.djgpp
Subject: Re: Novice would like some advice (Please)
Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 11:10:49 GMT
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To: djgpp AT delorie DOT com
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Steven Knight wrote:

> I am a complete novice and no next to nothing, I bought C++ 6.0

As someone has already pointed out, there is no such thing as C++ 6.0.

> and want to start off by creating a DOS program

If by C++ 6.0 you meant Visual C++ 6.0 then you're out of luck - it
doesn't do DOS programs (although it does do Win32 console programs,
which is probably OK for your purposes).

Alternatively, you can compile DOS programs with DJGPP:

    http://www.delorie.com/djgpp/

> that runs in Windows and can create Word files by setting parameters
> like how many letters, any numbers, punctuation, special characters ETC

Last time I checked, Microsoft charged quite of lot of money for the
Word document file format specification and required you to sign a
non-disclosure agreement.

> Do you think this is a suitable project for a first time user ???

No.  Even if you could get information about Word format for free
the fact is that it's very complicated and not suitable for a first
project (and it keeps changing with each new version of Word).
RTF files are simpler, and you can import them into Word.

Anyway, if it it's Visual C++ you are using then this is the wrong
newsgroup.  Try microsoft.public.vc.language instead.

S.